Design & Ergonomics: In terms of ergonomics and design, Abu Garcia gets just about everything right. We like the hard nylon carrying case the reel comes with and especially that spare aluminum spool. The fact each spool has a different depth is smart because it gives you the real option to spool the reel with heavy line on one side, and lighter line the next.

MLF Pro Angler Matt Baty finessed a lot of largemouth on the Zenon reel and rod

The reel's weight is just about ideal eliminating my number one annoyance we have with spinning gear - the combo's are typically heavier than comparative casting setups. That's part of what attracted us to the whole BFS movement nearly two decades ago.

The Zenon SP20 weighed in at 5.3oz. in the lab

On the non-handle side of the Zenon spinning reel, Zenon provides a clip where you can stow a drop shot weight. Very clever and thoughtful but Cal felt it was a little out of place on a flagship reel. What he would like to see here instead is a reel stand making it easier to lay the combo down on the deck, or at the very least, the ability to install either option on the reel with the spare parts stowed in that carrying case, or maybe an attachment that does both.

The handle design is rather intricate

Zander would have preferred a thinner cap option to further minimize weight, as he typically prefers to stow his lures on the rod, or a Fuji hook keeper, versus on the reel. He feels stowing and deploying baits on top of the reel is both easier and faster.

Note the weight savings cutouts, but also the beveled edges on the handle

Price & Applications: At $549.99, Abu Garcia's Zenon Spinning reel is not for the faint of budget, yet for a flagship product in today's market, it is very competitive.

It is likely that Zenon is a sign of things to come for the Abu Garcia spinning reel lineup, and the hope here is that many of the features on this halo reel trickle down to some of the more workhorse spinning reel models that the brand offers.

This lightweight and compact reel is a great option for a high-end finesse travel setup

For one, the return of spare spool options with spinning reels would be a very welcome improvement. The aggressive porting to reduce weight is also very desirable. With the two spool option, this reel is an excellent option for any number of techniques highlighting the greatest asset of spinning gear - flexibility.

The Zenon performed well from coast to coast. It isn't a stretch to say that this is the best Abu Garcia spinning reel yet, and with price considered this newcomer is a contender in the halo spinning reel space

Conclusion: The Zenon looks very much the part when it comes to a high-end spinning reel. It checks the boxes when it comes to quality construction, strong performance, and when it comes to ergonomics the reel's low overall weight edges out the competition. Like any top contender the Zenon faces some of the stiffest competition and the Shimano Stella FK and Daiwa Exist G LT. We are still in process of evaluating both of those reels but can already say that both are smoother and more refined than the Zenon, but they better be with retail prices that are 50-100% greater.

We sense a new player in the high end spinning reel market - Zenon has arrived

Abu Garcia has been steadily upping their ante to present anglers with higher-end products like this new Zenon Spinning Reel. It is light with understated styling, yet also practical coming with two spool options - one shallow, one deep. Dive in a little closer and the carbon accents and aggressive porting show an excellent attention to detail. Turn the reel's handle and you can immediately sense something different, more exotic - the beginnings of a new player in the high end spinning reel market. Though it may seem like a strange statement in the halo category, when it comes to bang-for-the-buck, the Zenon is a definite contender.

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